A Major Boost for the Expansion Side
Zac Lomax has officially committed to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chiefs, becoming the fifth high-profile recruit for the club’s inaugural 2028 NRL season. The announcement, made on July 26, 2026, at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, drew a massive crowd of supporters, signaling the club’s intent to be a competitive force immediately upon entering the competition.
Lomax, 26, currently competing in Super Rugby Pacific with the Western Force, expressed his excitement to the fans in attendance. “I am super honoured to be committed to you guys, and it’s such a great opportunity for all of us,” Lomax stated. His signing concludes a tumultuous 12-month period that saw him transition through legal disputes regarding his player rights following his departure from the Parramatta Eels and a subsequent stint in rugby union.
The Road Back to League
The journey to the Chiefs was not without obstacles. Earlier in 2026, Lomax’s attempt to transition to the proposed R360 competition was blocked by the Parramatta Eels, who retained his player rights through 2027. Following the collapse of the R360 launch, Lomax pivoted to rugby union. Despite his current injury, he is set to honor his contract with the Western Force before transitioning to the Chiefs for their inaugural pre-season training in late 2027.
PNG Chiefs general manager of football, Michael Chammas, lauded the acquisition, highlighting Lomax’s versatility and experience. “Zac is clearly a tremendous talent and a player that has already achieved a high level of success,” Chammas said. Lomax’s resume includes 133 NRL games and consistent appearances for New South Wales in the State of Origin series, where he proved his aerial prowess and elite goal-kicking capabilities.
Strategic Roster Construction
Lomax joins a burgeoning list of elite talent at the Chiefs, including Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, and Matty Lees. The recruitment strategy, spearheaded by head coach Willie Peters, appears to be focused on attracting proven NRL stars to ensure the franchise is not merely a participant but a contender. Recent reports suggest the club remains in active negotiations with other high-profile stars, including Cameron Munster and Joseph Manu.
League legend Andrew Johns praised the signing, suggesting that Lomax’s ambition to play fullback could revolutionize the team’s attack. “They’ve got Jarome Luai in the halves, and there are talks that Cameron Munster is open to talk. They will be really difficult to beat when they come in 2028,” Johns noted.